Cowbell Brewing Co. launches Barrel-Aged Project

ALMANAC 2018 was brewed at the Cowbell Farm on opening day, August 5, 2017, this exceptional 11.7% Barleywine aged beautifully until its release on Cowbell’s first anniversary as ALMANAC 2018. This beer is a rich, full-bodied and gorgeous Barleywine. It has been matured for an entire year, left unfiltered and unpasteurized prior to being placed in a barrel.

The Imperial Stout Braggot is a densely rich ale brewed with a large proportion of dark roasted specialty malts that show significant chocolate, espresso, roast, and fudge character. Raw, local honey, from Fear Apiaries in Wingham, Ontario, adds a smooth and silky mouthfeel while promoting fudgy and fruit-like flavours.

Image Courtesy of Cowbell Brewing

Both beers were aged in freshly emptied bourbon barrels from Kentucky distilleries. While in the barrel, the beer absorbs residual flavours contributed to the wood from the sweet spirit it once held, adding depth and rich bourbon flavours. The charred oak barrels added rich vanilla undertones, with a gentle touch of oxygen during the ten-month aging process. The resulting two beers are complex and multidimensional that may be enjoyed right away or left to age beautifully for years to come.

“The Barrel-Aged Project is a new and exciting project for us at Cowbell,” said Stephen Rich, Brewmaster and Director of Brewing Operations. “These beers are designed to be savoured, contemplated and enjoyed with friends and family. They are a perfect compliment to any celebration.”

Bourbon Barrel-Aged ALMANAC 2018 and Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout Braggot are available in 750mL bottles for purchase at the Cowbell General Store and Online Store, or may be purchased in the restaurant to accompany your meal while you dine at Cowbell Kitchen. Exclusively available at Cowbell Brewing in Blyth, while quantities last.